What Does a Colon Spasm Feel Like?

Colon spasm is the sudden, abrupt, and painful contractions of the muscles in the colon. It is not a condition in itself and may indicate an underlying medical condition. The most common condition associated with colon spasms is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as spastic colon, as it causes abnormal contractions of muscles in the colon.

Other conditions may also cause spasm, which includes:

• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Diverticulitis
• Endometriosis
• Infective colitis (Parasitic or bacterial infections of the colon)
• Intestinal bacterial overgrowth

How long do colon spasms last?

Colon spasms, also known as colonic muscle contractions or intestinal cramps, typically last for a few minutes to several hours.

• The duration of a colon spasm can vary depending on various factors, such as the cause of the spasm, the severity of the spasm, and the individual's overall health.
• Some people may experience colon spasms as infrequent and mild, while others may have frequent and severe spasms that last for several hours.

If you're experiencing frequent or persistent colon spasms, it is recommended that you seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Several medical conditions may lead to colon spasms. Besides, certain factors may aggravate spasms. These include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome: It’s a condition characterized by bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in the bowel movement
• Ulcerative colitis: It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes ulcers and inflammation inside the colon
• Crohn’s disease: Another type of IBD, this condition is similar to ulcerative colitis but affects different parts of the stomach
• Diverticulitis: It is swelling and infection of the outpouchings of the large colon leading to pain and bleeding.
• Endometriosis: It is a condition in which, there is an abnormal growth of the uterus lining outside the uterus, especially in the bowel
• Intestinal bacterial overgrowth: Too much bacteria in the intestine can cause, diarrhea, weight loss, and vitamin deficiency
• Stress or anxiety: Stress or anxiety can aggravate the spasm. With stress, the body may slow down the passage of food through the digestive system
• Food allergies and intolerance: Intolerance or allergies to certain foods may also cause colon spasms.  Foods or ingredients that may cause intolerance or allergies include:
  • shellfish
  • peanuts
  • egg
  • dairy products
  • gluten-rich foods such as wheat, soya, etc.
  • monosodium glutamate
  • caffeine

Treatment of a colon spasm depends on the underline causes of the colon spasm and may vary. In general, making a diet or lifestyle changes may ease the discomfort of the colon spasm that include:

• Including more fibers in the diet
• Probiotic ingestion: Taking probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, which may help reduce symptoms of colon spasms.
• Following a special diet plan known as the FODMAP diet
• Avoiding wheat or dairy products: Certain foods, such as dairy products and caffeinated drinks, can trigger colon spasms. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help reduce symptoms.
• Including a low-fat diet
• Getting adequate sleep
• Avoiding stress 
• Increasing physical activity
• Heat therapy: Applying a heating pad or taking a warm bath can help relieve colon spasms.

The physician may also recommend certain medications to relieve colonic spasms, which include:

• Antispasmodics
• Antidepressants
• Pain killers
• Oral contraceptives or hormone medications in the case of endometriosis
• Antibiotics to treat intestinal bacterial overgrowth

If symptoms persist or are severe, it's important to see a doctor. They can help determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.